An economist tasked with forecasting Waterloo Region’s economy is preaching “cautious optimism” in his latest outlook.

Robin Wiebe, the lead economist for the Conference Board of Canada, released his latest forecast Friday for the region’s economy for 2026 and beyond.

Wiebe has a personal connection to the area, growing up in Kitchener, graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University, and once teaching at Conestoga College. It has been decades since he called the region home, but he continues to read its local newspaper, investigate its companies, and sift through the data to keep his finger on the pulse.

Creating regional economic outlooks is a challenging business, he said, as you have to consider broad trends in the market and then factor in unique local characteristics.

In 2025, those b

See Full Page